A confirmatory factor analysis of the structure of schizotypy

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Mason

Recent research into schizotypal traits has been concerned with the number and nature of these personality dimensions. Earlier exploratory factor analytic work using a wide variety of scales (the CSTQ) has generated a four‐factor solution but other solutions have been provided by other investigators. This study uses confirmatory factor analysis on a large sample to compare several plausible models of the relationships between scales. These models include a two‐factor model separating ‘positive’ from ‘negative’ schizotypal features, a three‐factor model including features of cognitive disorganization, and the four‐factor model generated previously by exploratory factor analysis. Results offer support for the four‐factor solution as the only structure meeting multiple criteria for goodness of fit. The relevance of Eysenck's dimensions, and the P scale in particular, to the results is discussed. Attention is drawn to the possibility that the factors describe predispositions of risk of psychotic disorders beyond that of schizophrenia.

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamden K Strunk

The literature in achievement goals includes mixed results as to the factor structure of achievement goal measures, particularly the Achievement Goal Questionnaire, Revised (AGQ-R). In a sample of 1,496 undergraduate students (600 men, 891 women, 5 gender unreported; M age = 20.6 yr., SD = 3.2), the AGQ-R was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis that suggested three factors. Then, in a different sample of 1,125 undergraduate students (270 men, 750 women, 5 gender unreported; M age = 21.7 yr., SD = 5.4), the measure was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis, in which a three-factor solution, again, showed the best fit to the observed data. The implications of these results for the measurement of achievement goals are discussed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 115 (2) ◽  
pp. 400-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamden K. Strunk

The literature in achievement goals includes mixed results as to the factor structure of achievement goal measures, particularly the Achievement Goal Questionnaire–Revised (AGQ–R). In a sample of 1,496 undergraduate students (600 men, 891 women, 5 unreported sex; M age = 20.6 yr., SD = 3.2), the AGQ–R was subjected to an exploratory factor analysis that suggested three factors. Then, in a different sample of 1,125 undergraduate students (270 men, 750 women, 5 unreported sex; M age = 21.7 yr., SD = 5.4), the measure was subjected to a confirmatory factor analysis, in which a three-factor solution, again, showed the best fit to the observed data. The implications of these results for the measurement of achievement goals are discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 320
Author(s):  
Siddharthan Selvaraj ◽  
Nyi Nyi Naing ◽  
Nadiah Wan-Arfah ◽  
Somasundaram Prasadh

Background: Oral health-related conditions are among the common conditions seen in adults in India. The usage of inappropriate measurement tools that are unvalidated may result in deceptive and imprecise findings that might lead to substandard plans for cessation programs and ineffectiveness. This study was conducted to validate a questionnaire that can assess the factor structure of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour towards oral health among adults in India by confirmatory factor analysis. Methods: Simple random sampling was conducted among adults in India. A total of 260 adults participated in this study. The knowledge, attitude, and behaviour (KAB) questionnaire on oral health was circulated among the adults who were willing to participate in the study after it was explained to them, and the questionnaires were retrieved once they completed. Software R version 3.6 was used to analyse the data of this study. Robust maximum likelihood was utilized for the assessment due to the violation of multivariate normality assumption. For attitude and behaviour domain, a three-factor model was used for measurement model validity and construct validity. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis of the three-factor model for the 26-item KAB questionnaire on oral health gave sufficient goodness-of-fit values and the measurement model exhibited ideal convergent and discriminant validity following model re-specification. The three-factor model was tested to obtain measurement model validity and construct validity for attitude and behaviour domains. The results of this study gave a statistically significant value (p < 0.001), with χ2 (df) values of 39 (7) and 28 (11) for attitude and behaviour domains, respectively. Conclusions: The KAB oral health questionnaire used in this study has a valid measurement model and reliable constructs. It was found to be an ideal tool to measure the KAB towards oral health among adults in India.


Author(s):  
Sarah Beale ◽  
Silia Vitoratou ◽  
Sheena Liness

Abstract Background: Effective monitoring of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) competence depends on psychometrically robust assessment methods. While the UK Cognitive Therapy Scale – Revised (CTS-R; Blackburn et al., 2001) has become a widely used competence measure in CBT training, practice and research, its underlying factor structure has never been investigated. Aims: This study aimed to present the first investigation into the factor structure of the CTS-R based on a large sample of postgraduate CBT trainee recordings. Method: Trainees (n = 382) provided 746 mid-treatment audio recordings for depression (n = 373) and anxiety (n = 373) cases scored on the CTS-R by expert markers. Tapes were split into two equal samples counterbalanced by diagnosis and with one tape per trainee. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted. The suggested factor structure and a widely used theoretical two-factor model were tested with confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement invariance was assessed by diagnostic group (depression versus anxiety). Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single-factor solution (98.68% explained variance), which was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. All 12 CTS-R items were found to contribute to this single factor. The univariate model demonstrated full metric invariance and partial scalar invariance by diagnosis, with one item (item 10 – Conceptual Integration) demonstrating scalar non-invariance. Conclusions: Findings indicate that the CTS-R is a robust homogenous measure and do not support division into the widely used theoretical generic versus CBT-specific competency subscales. Investigation into the CTS-R factor structure in other populations is warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denisse Lizette Valdivieso Portilla ◽  
Angélica Gonzalez Rosero ◽  
Geovanny Alvarado-Villa ◽  
Jorge Moncayo-Rizzo

In recent years, a new factor for work stress has been studied along with stress as an offense to self-theory. Illegitimate tasks refer to assignments that are unnecessary or are not related to the employee’s role. Because of this, the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale was developed, which measures illegitimate tasks in terms of unreasonable tasks and unnecessary tasks. There are no studies in Latin America on illegitimate tasks, so the purpose of this research is to translate and validate the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale. The study was performed with a sample of nursing staff from a hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Written informed consent was obtained from each of the participants. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated and its structural validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency of the whole scale, measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.857. Moreover, the unnecessary and unreasonable subscales measure were 0.846 and 0.841, respectively. The exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor model that explained 73.96% of the variance. Additionally, the confirmatory factor analysis showed good indexes of fit (GFI = 0.915, CFI = 0.955, TLI = 0.933, SRMR = 0.084, and RMSEA = 0.087). The Spanish version of the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale presents good psychometric properties and can be applied to nurses in the Ecuadorian population.


2022 ◽  
pp. 003329412110636
Author(s):  
Bruno Faustino

The presence of dysfunctional cognitions about how individuals see themselves and others is a hallmark of psychopathology. The Brief Core Schemas Scale (BCSS) was developed to evaluate adaptive and dysfunctional beliefs about the self and others. This study describes the first psychometric analysis of the BCSS in the Portuguese population. Participants were recruited from community ( N = 320, Mage=27.31, DP = 12.75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the BCSS factorial structure. Four-factor model revealed moderate to adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 717.1, (246) p = .01; SRMR = .044; RMSEA = .077; CFI/TLI < .90). Negative views of the self and others correlated positively with early maladaptive schemas, distress, and symptomatology and correlated negatively with psychological well-being. An inversed correlational pattern was found with the positive views of the self and others. Despite the model's moderate adherence to the data, results suggest that the BCSS may be an asset in the assessment of dysfunctional and adaptive cognitions about the self and others. Further analysis is required to deepen the psychometric properties of the BCSS in the Portuguese population.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn S. Huffman ◽  
Kristen Swanson ◽  
Mary R. Lynn

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine a factor structure for the Impact of Miscarriage Scale (IMS). The 24 items comprising the IMS were originally derived from a phenomenological study of miscarriage in women. Initial psychometric properties were established based on a sample of 188 women (Swanson, 1999a). Method: Data from 341 couples were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Results: CFA did not confirm the original structure. EFA explained 57% of the variance through an 18-item, 4-factor structure: isolation and guilt, loss of baby, devastating event, and adjustment. Except for the Adjustment subscale, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were ≥.78. Conclusion: Although a 3-factor solution is most defensible, with further refinement and additional items, the 4th factor (adjustment) may warrant retention.


2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gørill Haugan ◽  
Toril Rannestad ◽  
Helge Garåsen ◽  
Randi Hammervold ◽  
Geir Arild Espnes

Purpose: Self-transcendence, the ability to expand personal boundaries in multiple ways, has been found to provide well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensionality of the Norwegian version of the Self-Transcendence Scale, which comprises 15 items. Background: Reed’s empirical nursing theory of self-transcendence provided the theoretical framework; self-transcendence includes an interpersonal, intrapersonal, transpersonal, and temporal dimension. Design: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a sample of 202 cognitively intact elderly patients in 44 Norwegian nursing homes. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed two and four internally consistent dimensions of self-transcendence, explaining 35.3% (two factors) and 50.7% (four factors) of the variance, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the hypothesized two- and four-factor models fitted better than the one-factor model (c x2, root mean square error of approximation, standardized root mean square residual, normed fit index, nonnormed fit index, comparative fit index, goodness-of-fit index, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index). Conclusions: The findings indicate self-transcendence as a multifactorial construct; at present, we conclude that the two-factor model might be the most accurate and reasonable measure of self-transcendence. Implications: This research generates insights in the application of the widely used Self-Transcendence Scale by investigating its psychometric properties by applying a confirmatory factor analysis. It also generates new research-questions on the associations between self-transcendence and well-being.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catharine R. Gale ◽  
Michael Allerhand ◽  
Avan Aihie Sayer ◽  
Cyrus Cooper ◽  
Elaine M. Dennison ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is widely used but evaluation of its psychometric properties has produced equivocal results. Little is known about its structure in non-clinical samples of older people.Methods: We used data from four cohorts in the HALCyon collaborative research program into healthy aging: the Caerphilly Prospective Study, the Hertfordshire Ageing Study, the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, and the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921. We used exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis with multi-group comparisons to establish the structure of the HADS and test for factorial invariance between samples.Results: Exploratory factor analysis showed a bi-dimensional structure (anxiety and depression) of the scale in men and women in each cohort. We tested a hypothesized three-factor model but high correlations between two of the factors made a two-factor model more psychologically plausible. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the sizes of the respective item loadings on the two factors were effectively identical in men and women from the same cohort. There was more variation between cohorts, particularly those from different parts of the U.K. and in whom the HADS was administered differently. Differences in social-class distribution accounted for part of this variation.Conclusions: Scoring the HADS as two subscales of anxiety and depression is appropriate in non-clinical populations of older men and women. However, there were differences between cohorts in the way that individual items were linked with the constructs of anxiety and depression, perhaps due to differences in sociocultural factors and/or in the administration of the scale.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. E18-E29
Author(s):  
Alexander Schneider ◽  
Jeri E. Forster ◽  
Meredith Mealer

Background and PurposeBurnout syndrome is common in critical care nursing. The Critical Care Societies Collaborative recently released a joint statement and call to action on burnout in critical care professionals.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the 22-item MBI.ResultsThe exploratory factor analysis identified three factors but after questions were removed; we were left with a 2-factor, 10-item abridged version of the MBI-HSS to test with CFA modeling. The CFA indicated conflicting fit indices.Conclusionswe conducted an exploratory and CFA of the abridged MBI-HSS in critical care nurses from the United States and found the two-factor model was the best fit achieved.


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